Madison

I'm one of those people who like to wait for the last minute to decide who I would vote for. I like to see the campaign finance reports to see who's really supporting people and see what last minute "news" comes out of the campaigns. I also like to make sure there aren't last minute shinanigans. So, its about 50 hours before the polls close and here's my choices for the upcoming primaries.

Could run through the 19th . . . It used to be predictable, now you just never know when the city will call a snow emergency.

They are only required in districts 3, 12, 13 and 15. Here's what they show!

3 meetings are being held in violation of Madison General Ordinance 33.01(10)(b). Other meetings I'm interested in this week is the Integrated Pest Management (pesticides and herbicide usage) Task Force, the Task Force on City Government talking about the Mayor's Office and the Festival Fatigue Discussion at the Downtown Coordinating Committee. You might be interested in the ALRC discussing Alcohol on Campus and the costs to the City or something else, take a look!

At least once a week someone asks me about a person experiencing homelessness they are concerned about. Most of them are not in the shelters for whatever reason. Sadly, most of the time, the answers are not what people want to hear. Here's the official answer about Dane County Homeless Outreach Services.

What Special Interests Gave Money to School Board and Alder Candidates? I wish I knew. I went to the clerk's office to find out. I was told I was handed "everything" but clearly I was not. Where are these missing City of Madison Campaign Finance Reports? Apparently, candidates turned in their reports, but I couldn't get access to them. Deadline was Monday, today is Thursday and I still don't have access to the information, 5 days before the primary election.

Seriously. A third night of Snow Emergency. Here's a real life story about what this means to park downtown in Madison. Exhibit A, if you will, on why living and parking downtown is such a headache. People who hate cars and think I shouldn't drive one, please don't read. Or don't complain.

Here's what I found when looking at Conduit reports and campaign committee campaign finance reports. Which special interests are trying to influence the Madison mayor's race and who are they trying to influence?

Here's the list for tonight of places they say cars will be towed - avoid the expensive ticket!

Here's the totals and their "war chests". Tomorrow - who giving money to whom . . . another $119,249 raised by the candidates during this reporting period (Jan 1 - Feb 4). $181,956 spent.

The incident at the Finance Committee last night should be Exhibit A about why the city should spend money on services, and not more police and security at Tree Lane (Housing First Apartment Project for formerly homeless families). Issues can be dealt with without police/security, and the resulting trauma and escalation. Issues should be addressed with services and community.

The City sends out notices when they cancel meetings - I don't know how to get notified when the county and school board do, but here's what I can figure out at the moment. City cancelled 4 meetings, added three.